Clinical Scholars Program – Frequently Asked Questions

What additional costs will students be responsible for if they participate in the Clinical Scholars Program (CSP)?

There are additional fees for students who start practice experiences in June or July. Students must register for the Summer I session and pay tuition and fees of $988 for one practice experience and $1,819 for two practice experiences (based on rates for Summer 2004).

There are costs related to the requirement of presenting a poster at NCAP Spring Meeting. In the past, students have either developed their own PowerPoint poster and paid approximately $50 to have it professionally produced or they have chosen to produce their poster on their own by mounting their PowerPoint slides on poster board (cost of poster board). In addition, students who present their poster at NCAP must pay the NCAP meeting registration fee. If you join NCAP for a $10 membership fee, you can then apply for a scholarship to defray the registration fee.

Students may be encouraged to attend the ASHP Clinical Mid-Year meeting to present a poster. While not a CSP requirement, students who attend will be expected to cover all meeting-related expenses.

 Is it imperative that I get into the CSP if my plans include doing a residency after graduation?

Many students make the decision NOT to apply to the CSP, receive an outstanding education during their PY4 practice experiences, and go on to do a residency or other postgraduate training.

I’m not interested in doing a residency, but the Clinical Scholars Program offers advanced opportunities that I am interested in. May I apply to the CSP?

While the CSP is designed for students who are interested in pursuing postgraduate training, we encourage all students to apply who are interested in completing additional requirements in an honors-type program.

How do you apply for the Clinical Scholars Program?

The CSP application is available on Blackboard at the beginning of the fall semester each year.

How are applications submitted?

Students complete the application and save it as a Word document. The application is then emailed to cspcoordinators@listserv.unc.edu. It is imperative that you send a copy of your email to yourself to verify that your application was effectively transmitted. Do not ask the PEP Office to verify receipt of your application through the listserv.

The application asks to submit a copy of your curriculum vitae. May I attach a resume instead?

Please follow all instructions for completing and submitting your application. A CV is requested.

Once I have submitted my application, am I guaranteed an interview?

All interviews are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a period of time in which students may sign up for interviews.

I am interested in applying to only one or two Clinical Scholars Programs. Is that a strategy that will increase my chances of matching to a CSP?

The more programs you apply to, the greater your chance of matching to a program. The faculty encourages students to apply for as many programs and to rank as many programs as they feel is appropriate.

What is the dress code for CSP interviews?

The dress code is business attire. Please dress appropriately for an interview.

If I have applied and interviewed for a Clinical Scholars Program, and have decided that I no longer want to be considered for that program, what do I do?

Do not rank that program on your program ranking sheet. You cannot be matched to a program that you did not rank.

What will the Clinical Scholars Program interviewers be looking for in candidates?

Interviewers will consider the interview as your chance to show them what doesn’t appear on your application. They will pay close attention to your ability to articulate your goals, your communication skills, and how well you interact with the interviewers.

How can I prepare for the interview?

You may want to think about how you would respond to the following questions:

• Explain why you are interested in the Clinical Scholars Program.
• What are your plans after you graduate?
• Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

How will interviews be scheduled?

15-minute interviews are typically scheduled on a Saturday with overflow on the following Monday evening. Students will sign up for interview slots in the PEP Office.

 Is there an opportunity to apply to the CSP once you’ve started your PY4 practice experiences?

The Clinical Scholars Program application and selection process takes place during the fall of the PY3 year. Students are not accepted as Clinical Scholar students at a later time.

What is the Post-Match Scramble?

Following the formal match process, any unmatched CSP applicant may choose to forward their application materials via email to the coordinator of any unmatched CSP position. The CSP coordinator will then conduct an interview (in person or via phone) with the applicant. If both parties agree that the student and available position are compatible, a formal offer will be made to the student by the CSP coordinator. Finally, a formal acceptance by the student will be communicated to the PEP director by the CSP coordinator.